What's a street festival without food? A grouchy group of drunken zombies, that's what. Fortunately, for festival-goers, there are plenty of local restaurants available to help soothe the blood-sugar woes at LAAFF. Just what can revelers expect to see and taste?
Several Lexington Avenue merchants will be represented at the LAAFF food court, and it's only fitting — local is what this block party is all about. Look for local buffalo short ribs from the Lexington Avenue Brewery, for example. Want something a bit more exotic? Visit Mela's booth for a taste of Indian cuisine on the streets of Asheville.
Lexington Avenue's Bouchon will have a booth, too. The French eatery recently opened a street-food shop in the alley next to the restaurant, so the cooks should be well-prepared to serve some of Bouchon's more quick-strike options. The eatery's menu will include the now-famous herbes de Provence-tossed frites, as well as house-made lamb sausages and French-style hot dogs, served in locally baked City Bakery buns.
Speaking of hot dogs, looking for an all-American wiener? Avery's Hot Dogs will have a booth set up at LAAFF. Avery's can usually be found near Pritchard Park, serving their dogs with fresh-squeezed lemonade.
In the mood for a different kind of dog? This year at LAAFF, Jeremy Hardcastle presents the newly developed Hardcastle Handmade LAAFF Dog. What on earth is that? Dig this, dog: it will include bacon, tomato, watermelon and basil powder. Yes, really. Hardcastle, at last contact, said he was still toying whether to add mayo to his crazy concoction.
If meat isn't your bag, exactly, you're in luck. Both Rosetta's and Lexington Avenue newcomer, Green Light Café, will rock the vegetarian scene.
The Green Light Café, which adjoins BoBo Gallery and Wine Bar on Lexington, will have a booth with some of the same vegetarian food that they typically serve at festivals. Cook Brandon Archer says that the mix will include smoothies, tempeh Reubens, a spicy peanut wrap and a bean-and-rice bowl. The restaurant itself will also be open to serve the masses.
Rosetta's restaurant will also remain open until 11 p.m. on Sunday — usually, the all-veggie eatery closes after brunch on that day According to employees at the restaurant, Rosetta's booth will turn out veggie dogs on organic buns, served with homemade slaw or live kraut. Smokey tofu wraps and raw nori rolls will be served as well — wash it all down with peppermint tea and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Plenty of local beer will be available at LAAFF, which should come as no surprise. Should you be teetotalling, however, there are options for you, too. Buchi will be pedaling their special brand of local kombucha, and two lemonade stands will be on hand to slake your thirst sans alcohol.
Enjoy the party — and don't forget to bring your appetite.
Please box in little box:
What else is there to eat?
Bearly Edible
Urban Spring Roll
Barley's Pizza
Flying Falafel Brothers
Blue Daisy Cafe
Ultimate Ice Cream
One World Cafe
and more…
— Mackensy Lunsford can be reached at food@mountainx.com
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